How And When To Use An Internal Pipe Wrench

by Trevor Woods | Last Updated: September 9, 2020

We all know that using the right tool for the job is essential to a stress-free repair. But, trying to find said tool can be easier said than done. If you’ve recently come across an internal pipe wrench or a job that might call for one, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is An Internal Pipe Wrench And When Will I Need One? 

Also called a nipple extractor, an internal pipe wrench shines in the world of rusty plumbing. Take this scenario, for example: You’re trying to remove an old shower pipe, but as you work to do so, you end up breaking it off at the wall. What are you to do?

If you have needle nose pliers or a screwdriver, you might try to finagle the rest of the pipe out of the wall, but these tools definitely aren’t made for this kind of work. Instead, you should reach for an internal pipe wrench, which you can insert into the broken fitting.

Just twist the nipple extractor and you’ll be able to remove the old pipe from the wall — no need to struggle with pliers, a screwdriver, or whatever else you were thinking about using to pry the pipe out of its socket. Best of all, internal pipe wrenches are cheap, generally only costing about $25 for a set of the most common pipe sizes. 

Internal Pipe Wrench Set

$25.39

Ideal for removing broken threaded pipe ends, plugs and fittings without marring, scratching, or denting pipe surface or threads.

The machined and heat-treated cams easily grab on to broken pipe fragments lodged inside the other pipe

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

12/18/2023 06:24 pm GMT

How To Use An Internal Pipe Wrench

If you think an internal pipe wrench sounds stupidly simple to use, you’d be right. This isn’t rocket science! When it comes to rusty fittings and other scenarios where you need to remove a pipe that’s flush against a wall or floor, a nipple extractor is the easy, go-to solution.

You just need to follow these steps to do things correctly and you’ll be well on your way to a quick, effortless plumbing job that makes you look like a professional. 

Tools And Materials Needed

Along with a nipple extractor, you will need a means of turning this handy tool. This is easiest done with the help of an adjustable wrench. Together you’ll need:

• Internal pipe wrench
• Adjustable wrench

1. Determine The Size Of The Fitting

Before you buy an internal pipe wrench you want to determine the size of the pipe you are working with. So, examine the portion of the fitting that has been broken and you’ll be able to determine the size of the necessary tool. It’s as simple as measuring the diameter of the fitting or pipe.

If you cannot easily measure the diameter of the pipe, you can try measuring with the “string technique” demonstrated in this video:

Now you can purchase a single wrench for the diameter you’re working with or, if you think you’ll need variety (or just want to add to your tool stack), you can get a complete set of internal pipe wrenches in varying sizes. 

Large Internal Pipe Wrench

Used to install or extract 1-inch through 2-inch diameter nipples.

Also designed to hold closet spuds and bath, basin and sink strainers through 2-inches.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

2. Clamp The Internal Pipe Wrench

Now that you’re ready with your internal pipe wrench in hand, you need to insert the solid end into the mouth of an adjustable wrench and clamp that onto the nipple extractor.

Make sure you place it high enough that you can grip it well while being able to twist the wrench around with ease. You might need to play with the placement a bit to get it just right. 

3. Insert The Internal Pipe Wrench

Once you have your nipple extractor placed securely into the mouth of your adjustable wrench, it’s time to put it into your broken pipe or fitting. You’ll need to wiggle it around a bit to make sure you get a good grip inside the fitting. Once inside, it should catch on the grooves. 

4. Twist To The Left

Remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey. To get the fitting or pipe out of its socket, you usually need to turn it counterclockwise. However, the old rule doesn’t always hold true. On rare occasions, some fittings are reverse-thread and will only loosen if you turn them clockwise but start by turning to the left and see what happens.

The rotating cam head of the nipple extractor has teeth that will easily grab on the inside walls of the pipe when you start turning the wrench.

You’ll want to twist things slowly and steadily, otherwise the internal pipe wrench may get dislodged. If that happens, just reset it so you have a good grip again. Eventually, you’ll be able to release the remaining portion of the pipe or fitting and remove it from the wall or floor where it was stuck. Done!

Conclusion

And that’s it, the internal pipe wrench is a piece of plumbing ingenuity! You’ve got yourself a new tool that is perfect for installing and removing pipe nipples without marring, scratching or denting the pipe surface. And the best part is for a few dollars you will save a pricey call to a plumber!

Happy Plumbing!

Trevor Woods is the founder of Plumb University® and he started in the plumbing and construction industry in 1997. Since then, his mission is to make plumbing repair and maintenance easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with their plumbing installation, care, and troubleshooting.